August 12, 1929 – September 25, 2025
Harlan “Wayne” Toppin, 96, of Clear Lake, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Concord Care Center in Garner, Iowa.
A visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m., Friday, October 3, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, 2404 260th Street, Garner, Iowa 50438; with Pastor Mark Lund officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, rural Garner. Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church in Wayne’s memory.
Wayne was born August 12, 1929, in Winnebago, Minnesota, the son of Harlan C. and Doris (Scott) Toppin. He was raised and received his education in Ventura, Iowa, graduating with the Ventura High School Class of 1948.
On October 27, 1950, Wayne was united in marriage to Ardith Hollatz. Together they were blessed with four children and raised their family on the family farm.
Wayne dedicated his life to agriculture. He row-cropped corn and soybeans, was a Pioneer seed dealer for more than 30 years, and a Highline Chicken dealer. He raised livestock, especially cattle, and had a farrow-to-finish hog operation. His love of animals extended to horses—he enjoyed watching horse racing, especially at Prairie Meadows Racetrack, and attending the Britt Draft Horse Show. Wayne and Ardith enjoyed several memorable trips together, including travels to Hawaii, Jamaica, Europe, and Alaska.
In their younger years, Wayne and Ardith loved dancing at the Surf Ballroom. He also enjoyed watching stock car races and was a loyal Minnesota Twins fan. Even after retiring from active farming in 1997, Wayne continued to run the combine until the age of 92.
Faith and community were central to Wayne’s life. He was a faithful servant of his Lord, serving on the St. John Church Council and as a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church. He also served on the Hancock County Coop Oil Board of Directors and shared his love of agriculture as a 4-H leader for many years.
Wayne is survived by his wife of nearly 75 years, Ardith Toppin of Clear Lake; his children, Gene (Dana) Toppin of Clear Lake, Jack (Cheryl) Toppin of Garner, and Susan Toppin of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Andrea Toppin and Joel Toppin, both of Colorado, and Nicole (Jake) Escher of Clive; his sister, Verla (Mike) Stapleton of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law, Ethel Schoenwetter of Klemme; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jerry Toppin; and his brothers, Elvin “Al” Toppin and James Toppin. A special thank you to the staff at Concord Care Center & St. Croix Hospice for taking care of Wayne.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel 310 First Ave North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428 641-357-2193
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